Winter

Snow is here (more on way): Many French ski resorts set to open this week

Resorts in the Pyrenees announced their opening dates following heavy snowfall on Sunday and Monday

No snow: Largest ski resort in Pyrenees delays its opening date

So far the only snow has been a light covering of artificial powder at 2,500 metres altitude

Closure of major ski station in France pushed back by one year

Local officials have acknowledged public support and a crowdfund of €200,000

news

2024-25 dates for ski slopes to open in French Alps and Pyrenees

Most resorts are set to be open before Christmas, with the first opening next month

When is ‘chauffage collectif’ (communal heating) switched on in France?

Around one in five people have a communal heating system

Why can I not receive the UK’s Winter Fuel Payment in France?

Britons fulfilling criteria in other EU countries can still receive payment, but France is absent from the list

Can I be fined for not de-icing my car in France?

The French Code de la route details which rules must be followed

Several villages in south of France without tap water due to drought

40 communes are now under surveillance and could run out of water at any moment. It is the first time this has happened in winter

Most of northern France - and some of south - set for snow this week

Clash of winds will see turbulent weather

Power cuts, tyres, fires: 12 rules for winter weather in France

Navigate the colder temperatures with (relative) ease with these rules, including for vehicles and pavement clearing

Flu now at epidemic level in France, south worst hit

Health authorities are warning people to be ‘cautious’ as cases of flu rise sharply amid the festive season

Rise in respiratory infections continues in France

Three more regions are now at ‘pre-epidemic’ stage for flu and wastewater samples are showing a 24% rise in the presence of the Covid virus

Look up to see up to 80 shooting stars an hour from tonight in France

What you should see is the Geminids meteor shower

Highest ski station in Pyrenees definitely to close

The resort reopened in 2021 after a group of enthusiasts tried to rescue it from €13million of debt but poor weather conditions helped put the final nail in the coffin

Change to France’s school holiday zone system under review

The long-used ‘three-zone’ system could change soon, but critics question the possible economic impact

Bears in Pyrenees prepare for long winter sleep - how many are there?

Technically, the bears do not hibernate but instead ‘overwinter’ and do still come out occasionally

MAP: The French areas that require snow tyres this winter

Five departments require them in all communes, but once again there are no fines

Highest ski station in Pyrénées-Orientales to close

Investors had sought to diversify activities but a lack of snow in 2022 ended the plans

Ski results for 2022-23 French Alps season and winter open dates

Results were down due to soaring costs and Britons outnumbered other foreign tourists on the mountains, figures show

Hot weekend ahead in France, records set to be broken

The south-west in particular will face temperatures of 10C higher than usual as October begins

Price rises but no power cuts: France’s winter electricity forecast

Head of Enedis says the situation has improved since last winter

Snow forecast in southeast France as cold temperatures arrive

As much as 10cm could arrive in some areas, said forecaster Météo France

French health authority issues warning over cold medication drug

A common cold drug found in well-known medications can, in very rare cases, cause brain issues and heart problems, the ANSM has said

Mild winter in France wreaks havoc on fruit producers and in gardens

Warmer-than-average temperatures this season have caused fruit plants to flower early, despite the still-present risk of frost

Ski stations in France see some snow after major lack in mild January

Snowfall is predicted in the Alps and Pyrenees over the next few days, with the most above 2,000 metres, but it may not be enough for struggling lower-altitude stations

Power cut risk remains in France but the ‘worst has been avoided’

Action by EDF to reopen power stations and efforts by the French to use less energy appear to be paying off, an energy expert says

Flood warning for parts of Brittany as heavy rain forecast overnight

The rain comes as temperatures rise from the ‘peak cold’ of -15C felt last night

MAP: where in France do you now need winter tyres or snow chains?

A new law means the requirements can be enforced in 48 mountainous departments, but not all have opted to bring the rule in

The big freeze: Temperatures set to plummet across France this week

Negative figures far below the seasonal norms are expected across the country with Sunday being the coldest day

Heat your house in France with wood? How to apply for aid

France is dedicating €230million to helping households that heat with wood or wood pellets, with €50-€200 available per home, as prices soar. Here’s how to apply

French road safety agency warns of danger as clocks go back

Clocks ‘went back’ last night, meaning that evenings will now get darker earlier. One road safety expert has warned of ways to remain visible while cycling or walking on the roads

Warm weather predicted to last in France until end of October

Temperatures of 25C are expected in some areas, with the mercury not set to dip below 17C nationwide, in what is shaping up to be a ‘historically warm’ October, say forecasters

France sets out winter energy saving plan for residents and businesses

Brief cuts to electric radiators at peak times, money for car-sharing and added financial incentives for home working – we outline the key proposals being announced this afternoon

Wood pellet shortages in France cause prices to soar

Stocks are ‘under tension’, say experts, with more people using the pellets for fuel and many starting to prepare for winter earlier than ever this year

MAP: The dates for the 2022-3 hunting season in your French department

With the season having begun this weekend in many areas, we look at the individual departmental start and end dates

Winter power cuts: What risk in France and why an app can help

We examine how households could be affected by electricity cuts and look at how to receive advance warning of disruptions in your area

Gas cuts: how French firms and homes will or will not be affected

Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne says that companies and other large consumers will bear the brunt of any gas cuts, should supply problems continue or worsen

Why are British pensioners in France not eligible for £300 energy aid?

The one-off payment is not being given to retirees who do not receive the winter fuel allowance. France is deemed too hot for this as the UK includes France’s overseas areas in the calculations

No Britons, no problem: French ski resorts report successful season

Covid rules meant that most British skiers were banned from France for around one month, but resorts have said that other factors have compensated

Five-year-old British girl dies in ski accident in France

The incident happened in the Haute-Savoie ski station of Flaine while the girl was taking part in a ski lesson. She was accidentally ‘run over’ by a man in his 40s, who is now in custody

North and southwest France on heavy rain and flood alert

Rain and snow is expected, as temperatures rise in the Pyrenees, causing rain to replace snow at some lower altitudes. Conditions are expected to intensify overnight

High winds cut off power to 9,000 Brittany homes

Enedis said homes were affected across all four Breton departments, with four severe weather-related injuries reported, including a six-year-old who was airlifted to hospital

Here are France’s winter sales dates for 2022 (they are regulated)

‘Les soldes’ have nationally set dates and specific consumer rights

French medicines authority warns against some common cold medications

Some of these medicines are vasoconstrictors, and can in rare instances cause strokes, heart attacks and psychiatric issues

Extreme cold for end of year in France? -10C in some predictions

Today is set to be the country’s coldest winter solstice in 15 years, and freezing air from Russia may extend these weather conditions up to New Year

This historic Lyon garden is a winter gem

Jardin Botanique de Lyon features beautiful species both outside and under glass, perfect for winter exploring

Covid-19: What will France’s ski season look like?

Skiers will be able to ski without masks, but they will be required while on chairlifts, along with other restrictions.

Why is there a flu vaccine shortage in France?

There has been a big increase in the number of people getting vaccinated for the flu this year due to concerns over Covid-19

Are winter tyres a legal obligation everywhere in France?

Currently you do not legally have to put winter tyres on your cars in France

Snow forecast across France this weekend as temperatures plummet

A cold ‘peak’ is expected on Sunday, with temperatures of 0-6C forecast in the morning, and snow expected in some areas over the weekend

France’s flu vaccine campaign opens to all: how to get a dose

The very low infection rates of last year’s socially distanced winter mean that very few people have natural immunity, giving rise to fears of a serious epidemic this year

EDF France will not cut off customers who fail to pay their bills

The electricity company will continue providing enough power for “essential purposes” such as lighting but not enough for central heating

MAP: French ski slopes begin to reopen after Covid closure losses

It comes after the Covid-19 pandemic all but closed ski resorts last year, after all ski lifts were closed, with station directors saying they ‘are looking forward to seeing clients back’

Winter arrives in France with snow and lows of -4C forecast next week

The weather will be more like that usually seen in late December and early January, say forecasters, but will fall short of an official ‘cold snap’

France ski season 2021: Face masks to be mandatory

The prime minister said the rules would ‘guarantee the Covid health situation for skiers’ and allow the restart of economic activity in the struggling sector

Autumn in France: How to help hedgehogs as winter approaches

Human activity and climate change have made autumn increasingly difficult for vulnerable hedgehogs. Here are five tips for how to help them - and what to do if you find one

France’s winter housing eviction truce to begin on November 1

The trêve hivernale makes it illegal for landlords to evict tenants during the winter months in most situations

Why does France still change the clocks despite EU vote against it?

Clocks go back this weekend despite a 2019 vote to abandon the system as the EU has not reached consensus on which timezone to stay in

Health experts concerned by effects of Covid on winter illnesses

Seasonal viruses expected to be more prevalent this year, due to lower circulation last year and communal drop in immunity, as Covid barrier gestures fall by the wayside

One-year grace period granted over mandatory winter tyres in France

Drivers without snow tyres or chains will not be punished this year despite the tyres becoming a legal requirement on many roads from November 1

Mandatory winter tyres in France: key details to look out for

From November 1, all cars driving along certain roads in 48 mountainous departments will have to be fitted with winter tyres or snow chains. We help you prepare

London to Savoie ski train service resumes for winter holidaymakers

The ‘Travelski Express’ will this year be run by ski resort operator Compagnie des Alpes, offering a rail route towards 12 French ski destinations

Grand Froid alerts continue - but this is no cold snap

Warning of difficult driving conditions in the northeast and west of France - but experts say conditions do not meet the definition of a cold snap

France still on alert for snow and ice amid -18C conditions

Roads are closed, school transport suspended, and the ‘grand froid’ plan initiated across much of the north, with the vulnerable and homeless most at risk

French winter resort opens ski run accessible by car

The 2km blue run is 'marked and secure' officials insist

Drivers in France can be fined over €400 for snow on car

In the department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, the fine for driving with snow on the roof is a straight €450

People in France asked to limit electricity use today

Electricity network RTE says people should reduce electricity usage during cold weather today to avoid power cuts

Storm Filomena to bring snow to south-east France

The polar storm, which is currently causing icy temperatures and snowfall throughout Spain, will arrive in the Pyrenees this weekend

France: No release from cold snap until after weekend

Meanwhile, scientists warn that the 'Beast from the East' could return in the coming weeks after spotting changes in temperature in the high atmosphere

Storm Bella: Wind, rain and snow alerts continue in France

Storm Bella approached from the north last night and is continuing to batter France this morning

Temperatures set to plunge in France for Christmas

All change in the weather on Christmas Eve after a mild start to the week

Appeal to reopen ski lifts in France over Christmas rejected

The French prime minister is considering allowing them to reopen on January 7

Truffle season begins in France despite hot summer and Covid

Markets of the prized tuber are now opening all over France as the season begins - with Covid-safe measures in place - amid high demand due to the summer drought

Five killed in French Alps mountain rescue helicopter crash

Five of the six people on board were killed in the crash, but the cause of the incident is not yet known

French ski lifts remain closed to public

Ski lifts remain closed to the general public but a new decree allows certain exceptions, as other European countries also move to limit skiing over Christmas